Amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth: periodontal responses to stopping and restarting the drug

Spec Care Dentist. 2001 Mar-Apr;21(2):60-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1754-4505.2001.tb00226.x.

Abstract

A case history of a woman with gingival overgrowth (GO) induced by amlodipine is presented. A 49-year-old Japanese woman, who was taking amlodipine, had gingival overgrowth and swelling on examination. No specific periodontal treatment was provided to the patient for the GO; however, the amlodipine was replaced with an ACE inhibitor after consultation with her medical practitioner. Within two months, the suspension of amlodipine resulted in a significant improvement in her periodontal condition. Failure to control the hypertension caused the physician to re-prescribe amlodipine. After three months, the gingival overgrowth returned; however, its severity was less when compared with the original periodontal condition, due to reduction in drug dose and periodontal therapy. This experience suggests that temporary suspension of a drug which can induce GO can improve the periodontal condition without the aid of surgical treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Amlodipine / administration & dosage
  • Amlodipine / adverse effects*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / administration & dosage
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Gingival Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Gingival Hemorrhage / prevention & control
  • Gingival Overgrowth / chemically induced*
  • Gingival Overgrowth / prevention & control
  • Gingival Pocket / chemically induced
  • Gingival Pocket / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Amlodipine